Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan Recipe

If you want to win hearts at the dinner table with a warm and seriously comforting meal, Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan should be at the top of your list! Imagine juicy bites of chicken wrapped in a golden, garlicky butter sauce, all tangled with perfectly cooked rigatoni and finished with heaps of nutty Parmesan. This irresistible pasta dish just about guarantees smiles with every forkful. Whenever you need a weeknight hero (or just crave some seriously excellent pasta), this recipe delivers big flavor with surprisingly little fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is in its simple, honest ingredients—each one playing a starring role. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items; just a handful of kitchen staples come together to create a perfectly balanced dish bursting with flavor and texture.

• Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, boneless chicken breasts for juicy, tender bites that soak up every bit of buttery garlic goodness.
• Rigatoni Pasta: The ridges and tubes hold onto the silky sauce, making every bite deliciously saucy.
• Unsalted Butter: Butter is the heart of the sauce—using unsalted gives you full control over seasoning.
• Fresh Garlic: Four cloves may sound generous, but they mellow beautifully in the butter for a flavor that’s aromatic without being overpowering.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend infuses the chicken with herby, Mediterranean warmth in seconds.
• Paprika: A pinch adds both color and subtle depth, giving the chicken extra appeal.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t be shy—seasoning both chicken and pasta water is the secret to vibrant, rich flavor from the inside out.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best for that unmistakably nutty, creamy finish that melts right in.
• Heavy Cream (Optional): If you want an ultra-luxurious sauce, a splash of cream wraps everything in a velvety hug.
• Olive Oil: Just a dash for searing the chicken to juicy, golden perfection.
• Reserved Pasta Water: Don’t skip this step—it brings your sauce together, coating every piece of rigatoni beautifully.
• Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle at the end gives freshness, color, and a bit of herbal brightness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your rigatoni and cook until it’s just al dente—it should still have a little bite so it won’t get mushy when you toss it with the sauce. Before draining, make sure to scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water; this liquid gold is key to bringing your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan together later.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel—this helps them brown beautifully. Sprinkle generously with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Each ingredient here builds flavor, giving you tender chicken with a taste that shines through the sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed until golden on one side, then flip and finish until it’s cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces and set aside, keeping all those beautiful pan juices in the skillet.

Step 4: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat slightly and add the remaining two tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in the finely minced garlic. Let it sizzle for just 30 to 45 seconds—you want it fragrant, not browned—so your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan gets an aromatic, melt-in-your-mouth base.

Step 5: Toss the Pasta

Immediately add your just-drained rigatoni right into the garlicky butter. Toss well to ensure every tube is coated. Now, drizzle in a bit of that reserved pasta water at a time, stirring until the sauce starts to cling silkily to the pasta.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Return the cooked chicken and any collected juices to the skillet. Next, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, and add the heavy cream if you’re using it. Stir everything gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce turns luscious, coating every single piece of chicken and pasta in creamy, savory bliss.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Transfer everything to a large bowl or deep platter. Shower the top with extra Parmesan and a flurry of chopped parsley—this not only looks fresh, it adds the final touch of flavor that brings Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan to life.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan

Garnishes

A finished dish instantly looks special with a generous handful of fresh parsley scattered over the top. For a restaurant-worthy flourish, add freshly cracked black pepper and extra shaved Parmesan. If you love a little zing, a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes gives your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

Pairing is half the fun! Just-baked garlic bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for mopping up every bit of sauce. To balance the richness, toss together a simple green salad with lemony vinaigrette. For something more, roasted asparagus or blistered cherry tomatoes add color and brightness alongside your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving a crowd? Pile the pasta into a large skillet center-table for family-style fun. For date night, try individual shallow bowls with a swirl of pasta and chicken on top. Want to impress? Top with elegant Parmesan crisps or serve alongside a small bowl of infused olive oil for dipping. No matter how you serve, Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan always feels indulgent and welcoming.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any remaining Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to three days. For best results, add a splash of water or broth before reheating to refresh the sauce.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, skip the parsley garnish and let the pasta cool completely. Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers. While the texture of pasta may soften just a touch, Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan will still taste delicious up to two months later. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of water or milk to a skillet, then gently warm the pasta and chicken over medium-low heat, stirring until heated through and creamy. Avoid microwaving on high since it can dry the chicken; low and slow is key to reviving that luscious sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because it holds sauce so well, penne, ziti, or even fusilli work just fine. Just pick a sturdy, tube-shaped pasta for the best experience with Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan.

What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or just a bit of extra reserved pasta water—your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan will still be creamy, but with a slightly lighter feel.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Simply choose your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that your other ingredients (like Italian seasoning and Parmesan) are certified GF. The method for Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan stays exactly the same!

Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

Freshly grated Parmesan has superior flavor and melting power, but in a pinch, pre-grated will do. Just steer clear of the powdered kind if possible—a block of cheese gives your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan the very best texture and taste.

Is it possible to add vegetables?

Definitely! Toss in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even peas during the last minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition in your Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

If you’re longing for something hearty, crowd-pleasing, and bursting with flavor, this Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan is your ticket to weeknight dinner bliss. Each step is simple but so rewarding, and you’ll be amazed how such basic ingredients come together for something truly special. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself coming back for seconds!

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